Betrayal, a topic that always evokes strong emotions, has affected many of us in different ways. From loves that didn't end well, to decisions that left behind feelings of guilt or deep wounds, these are the confessions of some Albanians who have experienced or been part of betrayal.
1. “I had just lost my baby at 17 weeks, and he was sending me pictures with other women. I forgave him because I loved him so much, but now it's been a year since I left him and I feel like I've been reborn."
2. "It was a 10-year relationship, but for 3 of them he had a parallel relationship. Everything fell apart for me. I haven't forgiven him and I don't think I ever will. It was a traumatic experience; everything now brings back painful memories."
3. "My friends have always betrayed me. I don't think I'm the problem, but their jealousy or some inner grudge they have. I don't understand why they have that jealousy. Anyway, I salute you from the top, because you look very beautiful up here."
4. "My ex-boyfriend cheated on me and I found out about it from his lover herself. She was a very evil woman, but she didn't separate us - life did. Not that he wasn't guilty, but that woman was a stinker."
5. "Betrayal is a very bad feeling. I may have cheated in mind, but never in action."
6. “Yes, I did it once. My relationship with my partner was coming to an end. There was no chemistry between us anymore, I didn't feel like a wife, but just like the 'mom' of his children. We didn't talk, we didn't go out for coffee, zero libido. By chance, I fell in love with another person. I knew him for 6 years, but only then did I understand what I felt. It was a strange feeling."
7. "He cheated on me just three months after we got engaged. We lived together and he did it with an escort. I found out, but he never admitted it. I'm sorry, but now I live in fear of it happening again. After 4 years, I still feel the trauma from that period. I wish I had the strength not to forgive him then."
8. "I betrayed him. I really loved the partner I had, but he didn't fulfill me either emotionally or physically. He was not close to me and I felt empty. I am sorry, but I don't know how to forgive myself. I no longer speak to any of those who were part of the betrayal, and I would never do it again in my life.”
9. "He betrayed me and when I found out, I was devastated. I withdrew, I shut down, I experienced everything that pain can cause you. But, in time, I got up, because I had no other choice. We were lovers at that time. I don't understand why I continued later with him, maybe because of the distance. It wasn't for love or interest. I just changed; I ruined his life and betrayed him later."
10. “It was a long distance relationship and he had known someone else purely for physical relations. I found out 3 years after it was all over. I have never felt worse in my life. I 'forgave' it, or rather I accepted it for the sake of my pregnancy. We are now working to rebuild trust. Anyway, he's a good man."
Betrayal has profound consequences, regardless of which side you experience it from. Some forgive for the sake of love or circumstance, while others choose never to forgive. In the end, everyone decides for themselves and how to move forward.
